'Getting more efficiency out of women'

The above may make us laugh but was in fact the title of a guide for male supervisors in the 1940s. We may complain that we still have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the workplace but this serves as a reminder that we have made great progress in terms of women’s roles and treatment. Here are a few of the best tips – read, laugh and be glad that (most) men don’t still hold these views!

o       Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. You have to make some allowance for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.

o       Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can’t shrug off harsh words the way men do. Never ridicule a woman – it breaks her spirit and cuts of her efficiency.

o       General experience indicates that “husky” girls – those who are just a little on the heavy side – are more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.